Diving boat fire off the coast of Tiu Chung Chau Island

One step away from tragedy, this is how one can sum up what happened off the coast of Hong Kong’s Tiu Chung Chau Island, where a fire broke out on a diving boat.

On Saturday, 15 January, a diving vessel moored at Kwun Tong anchorage burst into flames. Fortunately, no one was hurt. Fifteen people who were on board when the fire broke out were rescued by crew from a nearby boat.

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However, the fire caused damage so extensive that the boat sank in its wake. Obviously measuring over 20 metres, the vessel was filled with diving equipment. The attached video shows some of the diving cylinders exploding, creating a huge cloud of smoke.

Fifteen people rescued from a burning boat by another vessel were taken to the Sai Kung Marine Police Station.

Interestingly, this was the second boat fire that day. In the early hours of this morning, a 49-year-old Scotsman had to flee in fear for his life after a fire broke out on his three-storey boat. Police said that in this case firefighters were able to extinguish the fire. An initial investigation has revealed that the man’s laptop was the cause.

The waters surrounding the island of Tiu Chung Chau are famous for their flooded caves and rock arches. Therefore, in combination with the local flora and fauna, this makes the area a very popular diving destination.

Photo: youtube screenshot